News

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Laurie Lowy Principal of John S. Malcom Elementary School, effective March 1, 2018.

Ms. Lowy was appointed to the position after the school’s previous principal, Peggy Baerst, became Director of Student Achievement for the Capistrano Unified School District.

Lowy has extensive experience in a variety of administrative roles by serving as Assistant Principal of Castille Elementary, Del Obispo Elementary, and Phillip J. Reilly Elementary schools. Prior to these positions, Lowy served for three years as Assistant Principal for Niguel Hills Middle School and for eight years as the Assistant Principal at Fred Newhart Middle School.

Lowry’s accomplishments include leadership in the implementation of Common Core curriculum and standards and a leadership position on the Student Study Team and Individualized Educational Program processes.

Described as a strong administrative leader with a deep commitment to addressing the needs of students and teachers, Lowy’s record of educational success has prepared her for her new role as Principal of John S. Malcom Elementary School.

Audience: Webmasters, K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

A community forum with Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital is set for Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at Aliso Niguel High School.

Ryan Burris, Chief Communications Officer, will give an overview of the school-specific classroom and campus site assessments we completed last Fall, which can be found here: http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/MasterPlan

Clark Hampton, Deputy Superintendent, will provide a presentation and update on the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) buildings that were approved by our Board of Trustees for Aliso Niguel High School and Newhart Middle School and Philippa Townsend, Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services will present an overview of Educational Funding in the State of California and the challenges we face with the Local Control Funding Formula that was implemented in Sacramento.

Audience: Webmasters, K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

February 23, 2018

Dear CUSD Community:

We received many emails and inquiries after my letter on School Safety was sent to families last week. The shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shook our community and left more questions than answers. As a mom and as your Superintendent, I want all of our young people to be safe in our classrooms and on our campuses. Over the last week, families have inquired about social-emotional supports for students, safety training for students, and information on campus safety and security.

Social and Emotional Supports

In 2015, our Board of Trustees committed $3 million a year to hire 30 new counselors, giving our District the distinction of being one of the first school Districts in the county to have a counselor on staff at every school from elementary to high school. This is a tremendous investment in early intervention for our young people that was put in place to support them today and throughout their educational careers here in CUSD and beyond. Our counselors work with our students in groups and on an individual basis and intervene when students are struggling with grades or attendance or showing other indicators that may indicate the need for stronger interventions.

Topics in our School Counseling Core Curriculum Action Plan for our students include, but are not limited to, respecting differences, emotion management, managing test anxiety, coping with peer pressure, bullying, managing strong feelings, problem-solving skills, learning styles and time management, and beginning in grade 7, suicide prevention. All of these topics are not covered in each grade but are age appropriate and build upon social-emotional lessons learned in previous grades.

Beyond the supports provided by our counselors, when there is a threat or even a perceived threat made by a student, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team (SMART) performs an investigation that often times includes the student (or students), friends and family, social media postings, cell phones and whatever they believe will assist them in their work. SMART is used in school situations or incidents related to violence, threats, possession and/or use of weapons, unstable behaviors and suicidal actions or tendencies.

Student and Staff Safety Drills

Currently, we require the following for staff and students: Evacuation/fire drills are conducted once per month for elementary schools, four times a year for middle schools and twice per year for high schools. Drop, Cover and Hold drills are conducted once per quarter at elementary schools and once per semester at middle and high schools. National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) drills are conducted once per year at all CUSD schools.

Finally, lockdown drills are conducted twice per year at all CUSD schools. Our lockdown drills include the “Deny Access, Evade and Engage” (DEE) protocol that we created in collaboration with Sheriff’s Department. This training includes a component titled “Evade” so that, when appropriate, teachers and students can move to a safe place out of danger (i.e. exit the building or area) and it includes a component titled “Engage” because, if necessary, we want students and staff to use any resource/object necessary to stop an individual from doing harm. School Faculty and Staff are also required to review the Deny Access, Evade and Engage training video every year.

This year, we also equipped our schools with Emergency Trauma Kits that contain essential medical supplies to enable school staff to treat victims suffering from acute trauma. This is in addition to the lockdown kits we have in each classroom and the door blocks we have on outside facing classroom doors.

Our work with law enforcement enhances the drills we conduct on our campuses and strengthens our work during an emergency. Each Sheriff’s patrol vehicle has instant access to aerial photos and floorplans for every school in our District so responding deputies can arrive on the scene with situational awareness of the school they are approaching. Our tabletop exercises and emergency drills take place throughout the year and are intended to strengthen communication and collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department and enhance our emergency operations plans and protocols. In January, District leadership and staff performed a tabletop exercise with Orange County Sheriff’s SWAT, Bomb Squad and San Clemente Chief of Police in a scenario that involved a person on campus with a weapon. We will be conducting a similar exercise at Dana Hills High School in March, which was planned prior to the school shooting in Florida.

Campus Safety and Security

The school district is supported by local cities that provide School Resource Officers, which are assigned to our individual high schools as well as K-8 families of schools. These officers provide daily security as well as rapid response to emergencies, along with all first responders, when necessary. Our School Resource Officers also provide us with student intervention and resources when required. Finally, as mentioned in my letter last week, we utilize the Sheriff’s Department in planning and security assessments of our schools with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.

We also require that our Principals update their school safety plan every year and assemble emergency command teams on every campus. Site leaders and staff should enforce visitor check-in procedures, including the issuance of visitor and volunteer badges, and monitor their facilities to ensure gates, locks, and systems work appropriately.

The devastating events in Parkland, Florida remind us that we as a District, in collaboration with our cities, our families, and our community, need to take time to review our emergency plans and protocols and identify opportunities to strengthen our work to prevent these instances from occurring, as well as identify opportunities for us to react swiftly and appropriately when emergencies take place. I appreciate your partnership in this work and ask that you continue to share your input and speak up if you see anything suspicious on our campuses.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Vital
Superintendent

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February 15, 2018

Dear CUSD Families:

Today, our hearts are heavy for the families, friends and entire Parkland, Florida community as we mourn the devastating loss of life that occurred yesterday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This morning, many families are asking us what plans and procedures we have in place to safeguard our students, families, and staff in emergencies.

CUSD has a safety plan that is specific to each site and is reviewed every year and we have worked to build and strengthen this plan since 2012. We have an incredible relationship with law enforcement that includes daily interaction and communication as well as collaborative participation in safety exercises and planning.

The District also works with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in planning and security assessments of our schools and with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC). OCIAC is an integrated, multi-disciplined, information and intelligence sharing network that collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on all criminal risks and safety threats to law enforcement, fire, health, the private sector and public sector stakeholders in order to protect the residents, visitors, and critical infrastructure. In addition, Sheriff’s Deputies are assigned to our campuses and we utilize the Sheriff’s Department’s School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team (SMART). SMART is used in school situations or incidents related to violence, threats, possession and/or use of weapons, unstable behaviors and suicidal actions or tendencies.

In the area of training, we conduct ongoing drills and simulated emergency exercises for our staff and this training is reviewed and modified as needed. We also train our staff to speak up and report suspicious activity they see at our school sites or offices.

Finally, we have the benefit of many parents, students, teachers, administrators and staff on our campuses and we ask that you report any unusual and suspicious activity. Please talk to your child/children to remind them that they, too, can report anything suspicious. We want everyone on our campuses to be empowered to speak up about anything that looks out of place. Please reach out to your school principals or site administration for guidance and questions. Thank you for your support.

Audience: Webmasters, K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) – Every school in California is required by state law to publish a School Accountability Report Card (SARC) by February 1 of each year. The SARC contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. Our school’s SARC is available for review by clicking on the following link:

Audience: Webmasters, K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

The Flu Guides for Parents in English and Spanish are from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Please click on the attached documents to read this important information.

Audience: K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

January 17, 2018

Dear Capistrano Unified School District Community:

As announced last Friday, we have reached a tentative agreement with our teachers union. This three-year agreement will provide stability for our District and allow us to continue to operate efficiently, while remaining focused on the education of our young people.

This tentative agreement provides our young CUSD families with the option of Extended Day Kindergarten at up to 11 pilot schools this fall and at every elementary school throughout our District in the fall of 2019!

The tentative agreement provides teachers a 1 percent ongoing salary increase retroactive to 2016-17, a further 1 percent this year, and a 1 percent contingent increase for the 2018-19 school year, which relies on full implementation of the Governor’s budget proposal as described on January 10, 2018.

In addition, teachers will see protection from rising healthcare costs provided through an increase to the HMO medical plans District contribution equal to 0.6 percent for 2017 and 0.9 percent for 2018. For 2019, the District will set aside an additional $2.2 million toward health and welfare benefits if the final adopted state budget is not reduced from the Governor’s January 10, 2018 proposed state budget proposal.

Our agreement also allows us to take the initial steps to manage future impacts of rising healthcare costs with the formation of a Health and Welfare Benefits Committee. This committee will be made up of Capistrano Unified Education Association, California School Employees Association, Capistrano Unified Management Association, and Teamsters leadership along with the Superintendent and District staff to collaboratively explore opportunities to conserve dollars spent on health and welfare benefits.

Finally, the tentative agreement provides an early retirement incentive to our senior certificated staff that is contingent on participation and cost-neutral to the District.

This tentative agreement strikes the proper balance between the needs of our community, recognizing our teachers and staff for the extraordinary work they do with and for our children, and being cognizant of rising health and welfare costs and a very challenging school funding formula that was developed in Sacramento.

Audience: Webmasters, K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

Sent on behalf of CUSD and CUEA

We are pleased to announce that CUSD and CUEA have reached a Tentative Agreement that will provide the stability of a three-year contract and allow our District to continue to operate efficiently while remaining focused on the education of young people.

Details of the Tentative Agreement will be released on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.

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Posted by: Tania Cluttey, District Admin, Capistrano Unified School District

Audience: K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

Over the last few months we have engaged in discussions with the County of Orange about what appropriate mitigation measures should be included in the Oso Bridge and Los Patrones Parkway projects near Tesoro High School and Esencia K-8 School. The County declined to incorporate any of our proposed mitigation measures into the Los Patrones or Oso Bridge projects (e.g. sound/air quality walls, air filters, sound attenuating windows, connector road/signal), therefore, today we are commencing litigation against the County (including various staff members in their official capacities), TCA, and Caltrans on the Oso Parkway Bridge EIR Addendum.

Our Board of Trustees continues to have concerns over any projects that would adversely affect the health, safety, well-being and learning of our students, teachers and staff. We will continue to pursue efforts to mitigate any potential health impacts regarding these projects.

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Posted by: Tania Cluttey, District Admin, Capistrano Unified School District

Audience: K-8 Schools News Group, Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

CUSD and CUEA met for Fact Finding on December 12, 2017. Both parties agree to an additional Fact Finding date on January 11, 2018. In order to respect the process, the neutral Fact Finder has directed the parties to keep the details of the Fact-Finding confidential. Information will be released as soon as it becomes available following the next fact-finding meeting.

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Posted by: Tania Cluttey, District Admin, Capistrano Unified School District

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA –The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees has awarded an $18 million contract to REC Solar Commercial Corporation to convert six high schools and the CUSD Education Center to solar power. Trustees who were present voted unanimously at the December 6 public meeting to award the energy service contract for design, installation, and commission of the solar project that will power nearly 10 percent of the district when complete.

The charge to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly District was led by a coalition of Capistrano Unified School District High School Students who created a powerful, supportive movement through petitions, a website, and social media.

“These incredible students take their environmental stewardship roles seriously, and showed relentless drive to improve the Capistrano Unified School District,” stated Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas. “I am proud that these outstanding students are changing the way we think about our climate and constantly looking for ways to better our community. Their collaboration with the District has been incredible and we look forward to continuing our work with each of them.”

The solar project is expected to save, on average, $849,000 a year, for a total of $21 million in savings. Installation of the photovoltaic solar panels will begin next year.

“I am honored to join my fellow students tonight in a project that has taken three years and is at its culminating point,” stated Kyle Krueger, President of the Tesoro Conservation club. “I’m honored to see the reality of CUSD solar tonight. Through three years of hard work, meeting with solar energy experts, pitching procurement methods and presenting in this great [board] room, we received powerful support for this reality. You will leave a legacy with this vote for an entire next generation of students, parents, teachers, residents and board members who can benefit from this $21 million [in savings].”

Prior to awarding the contract to REC Solar, district staff received information about solar energy efficiency and generation projects. A timeline is as follows:

On July 26, 2017, the Board of Trustees received an informational presentation from ARC Alternatives on the results of a district solar feasibility study, which indicated that the physical sites are ideal for solar projects, with ample space for the systems and accessible utility tie-in locations, and that the project, as modeled, shows net savings to the District and is cash flow positive in all years. The presentation can be found on page 623 of the online agenda, available here.

Next on October 11, 2017, the Board of Trustees received an informational presentation from Government Financial Strategies, the District’s financial advisor, on Clean Renewable Energy Bonds and the financing process.

On November 8, 2017, the Board of Trustees received an informational presentation from ARC Alternatives on the status of requests for proposals to solar vendors, preliminary results, and the proposed process and timeline leading up to Board consideration of a solar vendor.

On December 6, 2017, the Board of Trustees awarded an energy service contract to REC Solar to design, construct, and operate photovoltaic systems. The total contract amount is $18,372,631 including capital cost, performance guarantee, and operations and maintenance.

Moving toward implementation, CUSD will prepare and submit interconnection applications to secure time-of-use (TOU) grandfathering and the design process will begin. The results of the Clean Renewable Energy Bond financing will be presented at the January 24, 2018, board meeting.

CUSD will continue to engage with students, families, faculty, staff and other community members as
the solar project progresses.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Merry Monarch with CUSD

A Festive Tree Lighting with Performances by Capistrano Unified Schools

Join us as we celebrate the season and support our schools at Monarch Beach Resort. Enjoy a variety of musical performances by our students, cocoa and cookies, visits with Santa Claus and the official lighting of the holiday tree, hosted by KOST radio’s lively Ellen K.

Merry Monarch will feature performances from students from the following schools:

Capistrano Unified School District's Early Childhood Programs department is conducting a survey of all CUSD families within each area of the district regarding the preschool needs in order to determine the need for additional preschool services or increased hours of operation at the current elementary school sites where a preschool program is offered.

Current preschool programs are available at 22 elementary school sites across the district, including fee-based and state funded programs for low-income families. We are asking each family with current or future preschool children to complete the survey.

Please use the following link to locate the survey. We are asking that the survey is completed by Friday, November 17.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

We are committed to working with residents of Pacifica San Juan, as well as the city of San Juan Capistrano, as we identify opportunities to benefit residents and students through an acceptable plan on a property we have the option to purchase.

We have included the presentation from our first meeting and would like to hold a follow-up meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the CUSD Education Center located at 33122 Valle Road.

This next meeting we will provide options for the property and engage in further discussion. In addition to the opportunity to meet together, we also created a google doc where residents can leave feedback for us to consider. You can access the form here: https://goo.gl/forms/G9aH5sz0l02dFORN2.

Please feel free to contact Ryan Burris, Chief Communications Officer, at rkburris@capousd.org with any questions you may have.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

CUSD AND CUEA UNABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH MEDIATOR, SENT TO FACT-FINDING

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – Today CUSD and the Capistrano Unified Education Association met for our third mediation session. We were unable to reach a contract agreement. The mediator stated that she would be sending the parties to fact-finding and that mediation is done.

Our Board of Trustees and District leadership value the commitment and dedication of our teachers and certificated staff. We greatly appreciate the extraordinary education provided to our students by teachers and certificated staff. It is always our desire to recognize our teachers and staff for their incredible work while also ensuring that our District budget remains fiscally sound.

It is appropriate for the District to acknowledge the uncertainties of future state funding, especially in light of the very broken Local Control Funding Formula that was created in Sacramento. This formula continues to severely underfund Districts such as ours, and does not do anything to increase funding in the future.

To ensure we are protecting our District and our taxpayers, we insist on building and maintaining a responsible budget that finds a balance between recognizing the wonderful work of our teachers while also acknowledging the challenges of our facilities needs, which the state provides no funding for, as well as increased costs pushed down from the state to pay for pension benefits.

We remain hopeful that we can reach agreement soon and without proceeding to fact-finding.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

The State of California’s education funding model, called the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), allows districts more freedom in how funds are spent but also requires the development of a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that links spending to specific district goals for student achievement. Districts are held accountable to the specific ways in which they are spending money and how those decisions are improving student outcomes.

A key aspect of the LCAP process is the engagement of parents/guardians, including those representing foster, low-income, and English learner students in providing input and feedback. This is facilitated through the formation of a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The LCAP PAC will meet to review sections of the LCAP and provide input into the monitoring and revision of the LCAP.

Applications are due Thursday, September 28, 2017. Please see attached documents.

For more information, please contact Stacy Yogi, Executive Director, State and Federal Programs at (949) 234-9244 or syogi@capousd.org

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

YOU ARE INVITED TO GET ON THE BUS WITH US!

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA. – The Capistrano Unified School District is pleased to invite community members, staff and families to tour its two new classroom buildings on the campuses of San Clemente High School and San Juan Hills High School September 21, 2017.

Community Facilities District monies and matching state funds paid for the buildings that feature 24 classrooms with state-of-the-art 21st Century technology.

WHAT: CUSD Bus Tour and Ribbon Cuttings of New Classroom Buildings

WHO: Community Members, Families and District Staff

WHEN:Thursday, September 21, 2017. Buses Leave the District Office at 9:00 a.m.

Ribbon Cuttings:

San Juan Hills High School at 9:45 a.m.San Clemente High School at 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Buses leave from the District Office located at 33122 Valle Road in the city of San Juan Capistrano.

If you require special accommodations or have questions, please contact Ryan Burris at (949) 234-9427 or by email at rkburris@capousd.org.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

The State of California’s education funding model requires the development of a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that links spending to specific district goals for student achievement to improve student outcomes.

A key aspect of the LCAP process is the engagement of parents/guardians, including those representing foster, low-income, and English learner students in providing input and feedback. This is facilitated through the formation of a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The LCAP PAC will meet to review the sections of the LCAP and provide input into the monitoring and revision of the LCAP. The focus will be on discussing actions that are aligned with state and local priorities to increase student academic achievement and performance. An emphasis will be on meeting annual goals for all students, including foster, low income, and English learners. CUSD has a strong record of parent/guardian engagement and is excited to continue its partnership with parents and guardians to guide the district’s actions for the coming years.

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete and return the application by September 21, 2017.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

In the last five years, the District has reduced taxes for Community Facilities Districts (CFD) by nearly 50 percent, or $16.9 million a year. Board is accepting applications for CFD Citizen’s Oversight and Advisory Commission to provide advice and oversight to the Board of Trustees.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – In a series of unanimous votes, the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees approved resolutions to again lower tax levies, saving taxpayers nearly $1.2 million compared to last year, and further reducing the tax burden on District residents who reside within Community Facilities Districts. In the last five years, the total CFD tax burden has fallen by nearly half, amounting to $16.9 million of savings per year.

The District currently has eight active community facilities districts formed pursuant to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 between the years of 1990 and 2005 to fund and finance the District’s capital facility needs. The District previously had even older community facilities districts formed in 1987 and 1988, but over the last few years, the Board voted to end the taxes and eliminate these old CFDs. Each community facilities district collects special taxes on property within its boundaries to pay for the costs of debt service on outstanding CFD bonds that were used to finance school facilities projects, CFD administration, and formerly facilities needs on a “pay-as-you-go” basis in accordance with the provisions of the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982. However, the Board of Trustees voted to eliminate the use of “pay-as-you-go” monies in August of 2016 to help reduce taxes.

“Wednesday night’s votes further the Board’s commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by reducing taxes,” stated CUSD Board President Martha McNicholas. “We are committed to building and maintaining a responsible budget that finds a balance between protecting our taxpayers and acknowledging the challenges of our classroom and campus needs, for which the state provides no direct funding.”

Public Oversight and Accountability
Throughout the last few years, the Board of Trustees has added layers of oversight to further enhance transparency and accountability including:

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA.— The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Sharla Pitzen to Principal, Phillip Reilly Elementary School, at their July 26 meeting.

For the last seven years, Sharla Pitzen has served in the District as Executive Director, Infant-Elementary Special Education Programs. She was responsible for the District oversight of Special Education Intervention programs and a professional resource for Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) teams on legal issues, mediation compliance and student placements. Prior to her role as Executive Director, Ms. Pitzen served as a Director with the Special Education Division. Prior to moving to Orange County, Pitzen served as a special education teacher.

“Reilly is a phenomenal school with an outstanding character education program and high academic standards,” Pitzen said. “Reilly has wonderful teachers that are focused on teaching and learning and supportive parents that are actively involved in facilitating a learning environment. I look forward to working alongside the entire Reilly community and sharing that same focus.”

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA. – Capistrano Unified School District is serving nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines below.

(Reduced-price meals, cont.)

Any household member receiving benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR should receive a notification letter stating all children within the household will automatically qualify for free meals. Children who meet the definition of foster, homeless, migrant, or runaway and children enrolled in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals. Therefore, the household does not need to complete a meal application. Contact school officials if any child within the household is not on the notification letter. The household must inform school officials if they do not want to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Applications will be sent to the household with a letter about the free and reduced-price meal program. Households wanting to apply for meal benefits must fill out one application for all children in the household, and give it to the Food and Nutrition Services office at 32972 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. For a simple and secure method to apply, use our online application at https://www.lunchapplication.com. Contact Food and Nutrition Services at (949) 234-9509 for help filling out the application. Food and Nutrition Services will let you know by letter if your application is approved or denied for free or reduced-price meals.

Households may turn in an application at any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now, but your household income decreases, household size increases, or a household member begins receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR, you may turn in an application at that time. Information submitted on the application will be used to determine eligibility, and may be verified at any time during the school year by school officials. The last four digits of the Social Security number from any adult in the household (or noting on the application that you do not have a Social Security number), is required if you include income on the application.

Households receiving the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals by filling out an application.

Foster children are eligible for free meals. Foster children may be included as a household member, if the foster family chooses to also apply for the non-foster children on the same application. The foster children, as a household member, may help the non-foster children qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If the non-foster children are not eligible this does not keep foster children from receiving free meals.

Your child’s eligibility status from last school year will continue into the new school year for up to 30 school days, or until the school processes your new application, or your child is otherwise certified for free or reduced-price meals. After the 30 school days, your child will have to pay full price for meals, unless the household receives a notification letter for free or reduced-price meals. School officials do not have to send reminder or expired eligibility notices.

If you do not agree with the decision or results of verification, you may discuss it with school officials. You also have the right to a fair hearing, which may be requested by calling or writing the hearing official: Kristin Hilleman, 32972 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, (949) 234-9501.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA— The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 6-1 on Wednesday, June 28, to adopt Resolution No. 1617-89, Resolution of the Capistrano Unified School District Opposing Any Toll Road Extension Alignment that Adversely Affects District School Sites and Students.

The District is not and has not been involved with the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) or any other organization or entity regarding the planning of the Toll Road extension. The District met with community members to discuss TCA’s proposed project ideas/alternatives and learned, just like many in our community, some of the Toll Road extension plans come close to existing schools.

After examining the grant deeds for Tesoro High School, and having them plotted by a licensed land surveyor, the District determined the Los Patrones Parkway construction, which is being constructed within the originally planned alignment for the Toll Road, is not being constructed on District property. It is proposed for land, adjacent to the District’s property. The property conveyed to the District consists of four assessor parcels, identified as Assessor Parcel Nos. 125-096-59, -60, -69 and -82. While, regardless, no construction is occurring on Parcel -82, the District has identified certain title record conflicts relating to ownership of that parcel, and is working with legal counsel to review and clarify such conflicts.

With respect to current construction, Los Patrones Parkway, in either its current form or the expanded original SR-241 Toll Road alignment, was part of and addressed by the District’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for both Tesoro High School and Esencia K-8 in Rancho Mission Viejo. Air quality and noise impacts, among others, were all part of the environmental considerations undertaken not only by the District, but also the County in approving the Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) for Rancho Mission Viejo. Neither the District’s environmental document for our sites, nor Rancho Mission Viejo’s environmental documentation, suggest the presence of toxic soils.

“Concerns, relative to dust from grading are legitimate concerns shared by the District—and the District will do its part to report any observed fugitive dust emissions to the Orange County Planning Director, as called for in the Rancho Mission Viejo EIR and addendums for the Roadway,” said Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Kirsten Vital.

Because the Toll Road is a County approved project, it does not involve any District approvals, easements, or agreements. Before TCA can construct the ultimate Toll Expressway extension to Interstate-5, it will be required to identify, and environmentally review, a new alignment for such a project. The District will continue to monitor and review such proposals, and can address any concern as presented.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Negotiations between CUSD and the Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA) have reached an impasse. This means the parties have been unable to reach a comprehensive agreement. CUSD and CUEA have agreed to jointly file for impasse certification with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). PERB will then likely assign a mediator to assist...Please Click Here to Read More

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Posted by: Tania Cluttey, District Admin, Capistrano Unified School District

Throughout his 15 years in education, Hill has served in a variety of educational roles, beginning as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal of four high schools. Currently Hill is principal of Capistrano Valley High School, a role he has held since 2015.

“I am excited for the new opportunity to work with the middle and high school principals throughout our District and share the lessons I have learned and insights I have gained working at Capo Valley with them,” Hill said.

The Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction grades 6-12, K-8, Alternative Education, oversees all secondary education programs in the District. Major initiatives include fully implementing the professional learning community model District-wide, as well as reviewing District assessment processes to ensure schools have the data they need to be informed about the effectiveness of their instructional practices.

Besides supervising and directing all academic programs and operations of a large school site, Hill’s educational background includes directing certificated and classified human resources, special services and child welfare and attendance for a district as well as serving on district negotiations teams in collective bargaining meetings for certified, classified and teamsters employee unions.

“I will miss my Capistrano Valley High family. One of my first tasks in my new position will be to find and support an exceptional leader ready to step into the principalship of one of the best high schools in the District. I will take that task very seriously and look forward to continued visits to Capo as I work to support this transition. I am going forward into this role confident they have the tools they need to continue the great work they are doing,” Hill said.

The District will actively engage with the Capistrano Valley High School community to find their next school leader.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Board of Trustees Appoint Shearer to Position at June 28 Meeting

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA—The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Brad Shearer to Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Preschool-Grade 5, effective July 1, 2017.

Throughout his 26 years in education, Shearer’s experience spans all facets: classroom teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, and coordinator of instructional services. Currently Shearer is the Director of Elementary Education with the Riverside Unified School District, a role he has held since 2014.

“I have heard amazing things about Capistrano Unified School District,” Shearer said. “I have a passion for primary education and I am excited to partner with a dynamic and forward-thinking District.”

The Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Preschool-Grade 5 oversees all primary education programs in the District. The position develops, selects, implements and refines the District’s Preschool through grade 5 academic program, curricula, and assessment system in order to accelerate and enhance student achievement for all students to be college and career ready.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Parent/Student Portal (Elementary and Secondary)

The Parent/Student Portal may be accessed at any time during the school year and parent and student accounts only need to be established once as they rollover with updated student data each year.

Don’t have a portal account? Contact the school office when it reopens and request the information needed to create an account.

The portal is now available to families for both the 2017-18 and 2016-17 school years. Families should log into 2016-17 if they want to print report cards from last year.

The DATA CONFIRMATION process will be available beginning Monday, July 24. Parents need to complete this process every school year before walk through registration (for secondary parents) and the first day of school (for elementary parents). Make sure to print out the DATA CONFIRMATION form to turn into your school site.

School Loop (Secondary only):

School Loop is a different application to the Portal. It is available to secondary level parents and students only. Parents are encouraged to use both applications.

School Loop will be available on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. Parents and students will not be able to register new accounts or login to existing accounts until this time.

School Loop is school-specific, so if you are new to a school, and had an account at a different CUSD school, you will need to register for an account again through the new school’s website. The link is on the homepage of each school’s website. You will need the Student ID Number and an email address to complete this process.

Please direct any additional questions to your school office:

School Offices Reopen to the public:
Thursday, July 27th - Friday, July 28th: 7:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA. – In response to questions regarding the District’s ranking with respect to class size averages, we compiled the following data with the assistance of the Orange County Department of Education.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees has appointed Donald Mahoney to Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Services (SELPA), effective July 1, 2017.

Mr. Mahoney began his teaching career with the District as an Elementary Teaching Assistant Principal in 1993 before his promotion to a K-5 site administrator. Mahoney advanced to the position of Special Education Instructional Leader and served as Elementary Principal at both Viejo and Canyon Vista Elementary Schools. His career in education, and breadth of institutional knowledge, span nearly 20 years.

Currently, Mahoney serves as Principal on Special Assignment for the District, providing targeted coaching support for elementary principals at schools with a high percentage of English language learners, students who qualify for free and reduced meals, and foster youth. Mahoney assists principals with planning, developing and implementing systems as well as strengthening leadership practices to ensure effective teaching and learning for all students.

Board of Trustees Appoint Suzanne Keck to Principal of Del Obispo Elementary School

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees has appointed Suzanne Keck Principal of Del Obispo Elementary School, effective July 24, 2017.

Ms. Keck was appointed to the lead position to fulfill a vacancy created upon the retirement of the school’s current principal, Kathy Parker. Keck served in the Monrovia High School District for over 20 years, beginning her career as a teacher before climbing the ranks to Elementary School Principal, a position she has held for the past six years.

Over the course of her career, Keck developed program initiatives, optimized the learning atmosphere and created opportunities for each student to reach their full potential. Her accomplishments include: implementing a Mandarin Dual Immersion program, guest speaking in China at a teaching conference, implementing Code to the Future Computer Science Immersion, and bringing transitional kindergarten and spring kindergarten to her school.

Described as a leader among her peers with a firm commitment to student-centered learning, Keck’s proven record of educational success prepared her for her new role at Del Obispo Elementary School.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

PUBLIC SWEARING IN WILL TAKE PLACE
AT THE JUNE 7, 2017 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA. – The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees has appointed Judy Bullockus to serve as Trustee in Area 7, replacing resigning Board member Lynn Hatton-Hodson.

Ms. Bullockus is a marketing consultant who also serves on the Mission Viejo Community Service Commission. She has been a member of the PTSA since 2005 and was a founding member of the Bathgate Elementary School Foundation. In 1999, while working for Simon Property Group, she helped negotiate a location for the CUSD College & Career Counseling program (now known as Futureology) inside the Shops at Mission Viejo.

"Just as I have been a community champion for the city of Mission Viejo, I desire to champion public education in our District,” Bullockus said. “As someone who is entrenched in the community and a long-time volunteer with various youth organizations, I believe I will add value to the Board of Trustees by representing Area 7 schools and communities.”

Bullockus replaces Trustee Lynn Hatton-Hodson, who announced her resignation, effective June 2, at the April 19 board meeting. All of the Trustees thanked the candidates and told them that they all would do great things for our District. The Board voted 5-1 in favor of appointing Bullockus.

“It has been an honor to serve on the Board with Trustee Hatton-Hodson. I will truly miss her dedication to and advocacy for our students,” said Board of Trustees President Martha McNicholas. “Judy Bullockus brings strong community ties to the Board and I am grateful for her willingness to step forward to support our students, public schools, and community.”

The Board had its choice of appointing a replacement for Hatton-Hodson or calling a special election to be held in November, which would have cost the District approximately $180,000. The Trustee Area 7 seat will be up for re-election in November of 2018.

Bullockus will be publically sworn in at the June 7, 2017, meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

INTERVIEWS TO TAKE PLACE IN PUBLIC DURING THE MAY 23, 2017 SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 4:30 PM

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA. – Five residents of Trustee Area 7, which covers portions of Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza applied to fill the seat that will be left vacant by Trustee Lynn Hatton-Hodson upon her resignation June 2, 2017. Candidates include Judy Bullockus and Penny Davis-Esterman of Mission Viejo, and Robert Dickson, Sara Jocham and Shawn Gordon, residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.

The Board of Trustees for the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) voted at their May 10, 2017, Board meeting to make a provisional appointment to fill the seat. Board members will interview the applicants and may select one to appoint during the public Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 4:30 p.m.

If the Board does not identify a candidate, they will have the option of extending the deadline for applicants or call a special election which would cost an estimated $180,000 and would be held in November, 2017. The May 23, 2017, Special Meeting agenda and information on each candidate can be found here.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Please read the following letter that explains the District policy regarding summer work.

May 1, 2017

CUSD Families,

It is with great pleasure that we announce our revisions of CUSD Course Placement Guidelines. Our staff has been working diligently over the course of the school year to revise districtwide placement criteria in English, History-Social Science, Mathematics and Science in grades 6 through 12. These guidelines can be found on our District Website under the Parent Resource tab and on each high school’s website under the Guidance tab. Please take an opportunity to review these guidelines with your son/daughter as their Academic Advisors and teachers will be using these guidelines for Fall registration.

In addition to these guidelines, we have exciting news for students who have decided to challenge themselves by taking an Honors Level or Advanced Placement course. Summer assignments and assignments over Winter Break will no longer be allowed. However, as June 1st approaches and you begin planning your break, we offer you several resources and ideas for optional summer reading. Below are some resources to assist you in selecting books.

The California Recommended Literature List isa searchable database of a collection of outstanding literature for children and adolescents in grades prekindergarten through grade twelve in all disciplines. Each book has a description called an "annotation" describing the book.

The Find a Book, California tool offers students over 160,000 books from which to choose. This book-search tool enables individuals to build custom reading lists based on Lexile range, grade level, and/or personal interests. The Find A Book program is a national, state-led summer reading initiative sponsored by the Council of Chief State Schools Officers.

Renaissance Learning is a company with an international presence whose “primary purpose is to accelerate learning for all children and adults of all ability levels and ethnic and social backgrounds, worldwide.” They provide a free, online tool to assist in finding the most appropriate and engaging books for students.

District Departments have also included a variety of resources parents and students can utilize that are content specific. Click here for recommendations.

On behalf of CUSD, I again thank you for your support and involvement. If you have any questions regarding either the Placement Guidelines or the Advanced Placement Summer/Winter Break assignments, please contact your school’s Guidance Office.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group and Middle School News Group

To opt out of receiving non-emergency related School Messenger phone calls and emails, please contact your school office and they will assist in blocking your information. Please note: if you choose to opt out, you will not receive any messages from the school principal or district UNLESS it is a true school or district emergency.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Spectators Invited to Cheer on Athletes

Dana Hills High School (DHHS) will be welcoming CUSD middle and high school Special Olympians to the Special Olympics track & field event taking place Monday, April 17, 2017. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:45 a.m.

In collaboration with the Special Olympics of Southern California, more than 200 students from six secondary schools have been invited to participate. These students are enrolled in the District’s STEPS (Structured Teaching Educating Prepared Students) classes.

Thirteen classes representing grades 6-12 will compete in the 100-meter dash, relay race, shot put, and long jump events. Additional activities include a cheer clinic, tug-o-war, and a face painting booth coordinated by Dana Hills High School students.

The program’s volunteers are sponsored by the Special Olympics of Southern California, which is also funding student transportation to the event and lunches for the athletes. Both student participation and division victories will be celebrated with award ribbons.

This project is a collective effort among the District administration, Special Olympics, teachers, parent volunteer groups, community clubs, local businesses, DHHS campus leadership, and the DHHS student body including cheerleaders, DHHS Associated Student Union, DHHS Football, the South Orange County School of Arts, the pep squad, track and field teams, and “peer buddies.”

Audience: Elementary School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

Did you know that elementary and middle school students in the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) may enroll in Capistrano Home School or Capistrano Virtual School? Parents may homeschool their students utilizing CUSD textbooks and materials or parents may enroll their students in CUSD’s online/virtual elementary and middle school. CUSD credentialed teachers provide support to students and parents in both programs. In addition, elementary students may participate in music at their neighborhood CUSD elementary school and middle school students have the opportunity to enroll in up to two classes at their resident CUSD middle school.

Please join us for one of our Parent/Student Information meetings for fall 2017 enrollment (please see the attached flyer for dates and times.) We look forward to meeting you!

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

California is field testing a new website designed to help communities across the state access important information about K–12 districts and schools – including ours. Called the California School Dashboard, the site features easy-to-read reports on multiple measures of school success, including test scores, graduation rates, English learner progress and suspension rates.

The Dashboard is the next step in a series of major shifts in public education as a result of 2013's Local Control Funding Formula. California has raised the bar for student learning, transformed testing and placed the focus on equity for all students. To learn more about California's accountability and continuous improvement efforts, visit http://www.caschooldashboard.org .

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Posted by: Tania Cluttey, District Admin, Capistrano Unified School District

Second Step Program K-8

The Second Step program is the social emotional learning curriculum which counselors present to all students K-8, district-wide. Our presentation will go over the rationale for this program, its benefits, and goals, and what les­ son content is being taught to our students, as well as sample lesson mate­rials.

Supporting Students with Stress & Anxiety Management

Stress and anxiety are common hardships facing today's youth. Learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of stress in children and teens and vari­ous coping mechanisms for these. In addition, learn what the school coun­selors in your district are doing to address these concerns and leave with valuable resources and skills to try out at home.

Effective Communication

Dania Liza/de, Western Youth Services

Learn practical strategies on how to communicate with your child.

Supporting Your Students' Academic Success

Al Holdsambeck & Katie Ramirez, School Counselors

Academic achievement is a strong predictor of high school graduation and is critical to long-term success in college, work, and life. Parents play a cru­cial role ensuring that their child's needs are met in school and at home. Our presentation will introduce how the growth mindset can give you the keys to helping your child successfully navigate their school years.

Signs of Suicide & Depression

Shannon Halbert, Kathy Pelzer & Darwin Vega, School Counselors
A Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression: Recognizing the Signs of Suicide and Depression in Teens and How You Can Help

Current Trends in Social Media Workshop

Tom Bogiatzis, School Counselor
Learn about current trends and applications students are using.

Paying for College

Anthony Russomanno, Coordinator College and Career Counseling
Financial aid comes in many forms so learn the different ways college can be affordable plus what college really costs. Hear some general strategies such as how picking the RIGHT schools can get you the most free money.

Audience: Elementary School News Group, High School News Group, K-8 Schools News Group and Middle School News Group

School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) – Every school in California is required by state law to publish a School Accountability Report Card (SARC) by February 1 of each year. The SARC contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. Our school’s SARC is available for review by clicking on the following link:

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Capistrano Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying in all district activities, programs, and employment based upon actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Reference: AR 1312.3, BP 1312.3 and BP 5183.

Website Disclaimer

ATTENTION: The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) does not assume any responsibility or liability for the content that may be present within external Websites linked to and from this site that are operated or created by or for organizations outside of the CUSD. The linking to or from this site does not imply on the part of the CUSD or any of its schools any guarantee of quality, assumption of liability or endorsement of the organizations maintaining external Websites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the operation of their Website and quality of the content including advertisements, links, media, images and text that they may deem appropriate.